Router table

[VW mick]

I have an OF1400 and a OF1010 ..I very nearly pushed the button on a mfk500. But have been thinking I really would like a router table but I really like my OF1400 as a hand router. Don't want to loose it to a dedicated table
Not sure what to do. I've had an idea to build a table for a while and have looked at a few cheaper options for a 1/2 router. Not liking any
Should I just get another 1400 and build a table (any ideas)
Or should I look at cms

What do you think

 

[SMJoinery]

Hi Mick

I've had this for a couple of weeks now and got to say it's awesome. Very accurate, easy to set up, smooth as silk and a great fit for my 1400.
I also have the 1010 for bench work and the 500 for small edges etc but I'm finding the CMS is so easy to set up and just easier.
The 1400 goes in and out of the table really quickly. I'm not sure how long but it's so simple that in repetition it could be done very quickly.

 

[peter halle]

Of course the CMS would be a logical step.  The removal or insertion of the router is very quick.  If you decide to build your own you can certainly do so.  Guido has a video or two here of router tables that he has built and the mounting system are rods that are used thru the router base.  In one of them he uses a common scissor jack to control the bit elevation.

Peter

 

[charley1968]

I don't think you need to buy another OF1400 if you go the CMS-way.
Unless you're doing production-style work, that is..
It takes me about 15min to set up the routertable and i've only had it for a week.
I dunno about other routertables, though..but none of the models i've seen appeared to be more complex than the CMS.

 

[nclemmons]

1010 works in the CMS.  Would you consider going with a CMS and using that router?  Bulk of what you do could probably be done with the CMS with it being easy to change out the 1400 for larger bits or heavier cutting.

I have the CMS are really like it.

 

[Urban Redneck]

I purchased the CMS this week.  All I can say is WOW !!!  I installed a Festool router (cough cough.. umm) slighter bigger than the 1400.  Installation was fast.  My guys pushed 600 LF of custom casing today and only had a tablespoon of dust to clean up. I regret not getting it sooner.

 

[VW mick]

Nice one thanks guys .

I started out wanting to buy a trimmer and am now looking at cms lol ..that's festool for you

Can you tell me the separate parts I need to make the set up you have 

 

[r cash]

Slightly bigger of 2000 maybe or bigger m..... .. . Router tables are great for small runs of product . My router table these day is a baby shaper with a power feed this way you don't get stop start marks on you custom moulding. I used to clamp my actual router table to my shaper so I could use the power feed. Now my shop has three sizes of shapers all with power feeds. Big one is 9 hp mid 5hp small 1.5 hp.
Call it over kill if you like I like not changing set ups saving time.
I have had all three set up for one project several times.
When it comes to router tables always go biggest motor then when the bigger project comes along you don't kill your 1400 in one job.
Rc

 

[Stone Message]

I have an OF1400 and a OF1010 ..I very nearly pushed the button on a mfk500. But have been thinking I really would like a router table but I really like my OF1400 as a hand router. Don't want to loose it to a dedicated table
Not sure what to do. I've had an idea to build a table for a while and have looked at a few cheaper options for a 1/2 router. Not liking any
Should I just get another 1400 and build a table (any ideas)
Or should I look at cms

What do you think

I have built 3 router tables and they were all I could afford for the 20 years that they spanned. I now have two proper router tables, the UJK one with one of my old CMT (same as Dewalt 625) routers and the CMS-OF with my OF 2200 there most of the time.

If I had to chose one router table then I would go for the CMS-OF for the following reasons:

  - Will take any of my Festool routers
  - Very portable and easily tucked away when not in use
  - CMS is a good starting point for other machines (TS etc)
  - Folds up and goes in the Yaris together with CTL26 and 4 or 5 other tools in systainers
  - Dust collection is superb
  - If you need to extract the router it takes less than 2 minutes
  - It works brilliantly

The router tables that I made myself were very strong and produced quite reasonable results but...

  - Two of them were ridiculously heavy
  - They were very much the "poor man's" solution
  - They required some TLC from time to time
  - Accuracy (to 0.1 mm) was an issue - in fact that was never achieved
  - I was never really satisfied with any of them

Buying a CMS-OF may seem like a big financial step but it compares well to other router tables if you already have the basic CMS legs. If one day you end up with two CMS units (for workflow) then a lot of the bits are interchangeable as it is very much a "system" design. For example, the sliding table works on both the CMS-TS and CMS-OF setups and the angle unit from the MFT3 works on both.

Peter

 

[grbmds]

I recently went a totally different direction. I also own an OF1400 and love it so far. However, I really like using it as a hand-held router, especially with the guide stops and guide rail. I reviewed most, if not all, possible router tables/lifts on the market and finally settled on an Incra system. Since I just got it a few weeks ago, I've been amazed. I've done some small test project and it's easy to use, I can do all router table operations plus box & dovetail joints, and it has a great lift (which handles many routers except Festool's routers), and great under table dust collection. It's just another option to consider.

This was my upgraded table after I used a table with a Rockler top and a cabinet, etc. that I built myself. I had an Incra positioner installed  on that one also, which made it much more accurate than other options.

So, making a table is always a great project. Just wanted to provide some input on other possibilities though. While I love every Festool I've bought, I do find that there are other tools and accessories out there that are extremely high quality and just as valuable in the workshop. I know that's blasphemy on this site, but . . .

 

[charley1968]

Naaaw.., not blasphemy: sacrilege!
That said: i'd be very intrested in checking the Incra-stuff.
Problem is: there's only 1 supplier in Sweden,afaik.
And i still contend: my Makita is equal to any of the Festool drills!